While having riding lessons riders are often given instructions to bridge the reins or ride with both reins in one hand. This usually happens when a rider uses her hands without harmony and coordination, when hands are bouncy, one rein pulls more then other, etc. Why reins in one hand improve our riding?

During riding our hands must be carried in front, carried effortlessly like holding a cup of coffee. We never carry a cup of coffee with two hands, especially, if walking. Why? It is very awkward. Ask any waiter - walking with a tray is not easy. Human body uses shoulders during walking and running. The movement of the shoulders is alternating one. Not easy to carry things, even light ones, with two hands because it makes shoulders less mobile.

When we ride our hips are "walking, trotting and cantering" with our horse. But shoulders must not. The hips and the shoulders must be "decoupled" from each other. This requires practice and time to built such suppleness. It is extremely difficult to preserve that suppleness and have contact in the reins in separate hands. Stiffness creeps into arms, shoulders, back, etc. Having reins in one hand helps to simplify this process, allows a rider to sit upright, to feel free and naturally end up with good hand/arm position - in front, above the pommel. Riders cannot seesaw, pull down or pull backwards when reins are in one hand!

Trying one hand will quickly show a rider that it is much easier to hold reins in one particular hand, versus another. "Awkward hand" makes the whole body feel awkward. And that does not necessarily correlate with dominant hand. Such practice and switching back and forth between one hand (either) and two hands will help a rider to develop better position, suppleness and coordination of holding reins properly in two hands.

Couple times I have witnessed kids at the barns bouncing on a small trampoline holding reins of a bridle held by their friend. Fun way for kids to practice good arm/hand positions and develop contact. The only problem with this, kids are bouncing on their legs not their bums and legs are often jump together not alternating. Much more effective way is to bounce on a Physio ball in a seated position. If a trampoline is used it is better to do skipping, scissors, etc to create alternating motion challenge. Having someone to hold the other end of the reins help with the feedback on how quiet or not is your contact.
Another excellent tool to develop better hands, core and effective half halts is EquiCube. It creates similar to one hand riding situation with hands together, carried in front, slightly lifted due to the weight of the Cube. I worked with it in my lessons. It is very helpful tool but requires stamina and strong core.

Happy riding...